How to play 7×7 hnefatafl
- Choose who to play against: the computer (with your side and the level) or two players on the same device.
- Tap one of your pieces and then one of the marked squares. All pieces move in a straight line, like the rook in chess.
- Capture by surrounding: leave an opposing piece between two of yours, in a straight line, and it leaves the board. Beware of the corners and the empty throne, which also count as enemies.
- With the king, reach one of the four corners to win. With the attackers, capture the king before he escapes.
Rules of this version of hnefatafl
Hnefatafl is a family of Nordic board games that were played long before chess reached Europe. They are asymmetric: one side has the king and few defenders, and the other has more pieces but a harder goal. Here you play the short 7×7 variant, with 8 attackers, 4 defenders and the king, ideal for games of a few minutes.
The rules are simplified on purpose. Pieces move like a rook, capture is by sandwich in a straight line, the corners and the empty throne are hostile, and the king is just another warrior: he can capture and is captured by two attackers (four if he is on the throne). There are other variants, such as 11×11, with more complex rules.
For the attackers, the key is to close the corners: with two pieces next to each one, the king cannot get in. For the king, the trick is to create a double threat, with two open paths to different corners at the same time. The computer thinks several moves ahead and everything happens on your device.
Things to keep in mind
- There are many historical and modern hnefatafl rulesets. This version uses a simple set of its own for a 7×7 board; if you play with another rulebook, some situations will be resolved differently.
- Pieces cannot step on or cross the empty throne (only the king can), to make the rules easier to remember.
- The defenders with the king tend to have it easier than the attackers against the computer on hard. Scoreboards and settings are saved only in this browser.
Frequently asked questions
How do the pieces move?
Like the rook in chess: in a straight line, horizontally or vertically, over as many free squares as you like, without jumping over pieces. Only the king can enter the throne and the corners.
How is a piece captured?
With a sandwich: when you move a piece and the opposing one ends up between it and another of yours, in a straight line, it is removed. A corner or the empty throne also works as an enemy “piece”. There is no diagonal capture.
How is the king captured?
Like the other pieces, with two attackers on either side (or an attacker against a corner or the empty throne). If the king is on the throne, you need attackers on all four sides.
How does each side win?
The king and defenders win if the king reaches a corner. The attackers win if they capture the king. The side left with no possible moves also loses.
Can I choose which side to play?
Yes. Against the computer you choose attackers or king with the “Your side” buttons. With two players, the first takes the attackers and the second the king.
Is it free? Do I need to install anything?
It is free, needs no sign-up and works right in the browser, on a phone, tablet or computer.